The Cowherds Beg Krishna to Rescue Them from a Forest Fire

Currently not on view

The Cowherds Beg Krishna to Rescue Them from a Forest Fire

c. 1720

Artist/maker unknown, Indian

In the dry heat of the central Indian summer, forest fires are a major concern. Krishna often exhibits his divine powers by miraculously swallowing forest fires that threaten the villagers. In this instance, the cowherds have been so distracted by their games that they allowed the cattle to stray into the forest. Just when they had recovered the herd, flames burst out around them. Here the terrified boys, cattle, and wild animals run from the flames encroaching on all sides. At the center of this circle of fire and fear stands Krishna, larger than the other figures, his hand raised to calm their panic.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

The Cowherds Beg Krishna to Rescue Them from a Forest Fire
Page from a dispersed series of the Bhagavata Purana

Date:

c. 1720

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, Indian

Medium:

Opaque watercolor and gold on paper

Dimensions:

Image: 9 × 7 5/8 inches (22.9 × 19.4 cm) Sheet: 10 7/16 × 9 inches (26.5 × 22.9 cm)

Classification:

Paintings

Credit Line:

Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Lessing J. Rosenwald, 1959

Accession Number:

1959-93-65

Geography:

Made in Gujarat, India, Asia Probably made in Surat, Gujarat, India, Asia

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Currently not on view